The main purpose of Dawn’s Heart is to provide experiences, exposure, and educational activities for children with disabilities (kindergarten- eighth grade) that live on the Route 1 corridor in Alexandria, Virginia. In order to support these children, Dawn’s Heart facilitates play groups for younger children (kindergarten through fourth grade) to improve social skills and provide a safe environmen
t for play and interaction with other children their age. Children attending Saturday play groups will engage in play through music, dance, art, and cooking. Dawn’s Heart also takes older children (fifth grade through eighth grade) on monthly Saturday day trips and quarterly overnight trips to learn and maintain social, self-advocacy, and life skills. These trips are fun, yet educational. Children will attend trips such as going to the movies, out to dinner, and visiting museums and amusement parks. Children will also attend overnight trips such as seeing a Broadway show in New York, visiting historical sites in Jamestown, Virginia, and going snow tubing in Pennsylvania. Each child (fifth grade through eighth grade) receives a mentor that meets with them at least twice a month, supports their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals by working with them in their areas of need, and building relationships with them in order to help them achieve their greatest potential. Dawn’s Heart also provides support to parents of children with disabilities by facilitating quarterly workshops on educating parents about their child’s disability and educating parents on strategies they can use at home to support their child’s IEP goals and academic growth.
